554 5.2.0: transaction failed (generic rejection)
A catch-all permanent failure: the server refused the message without giving a specific reason in the code.
Rejected by policy or reputation
What 554 5.2.0 means
"554 Transaction failed" is a generic message some servers use for anything from spam filtering to a policy block. The text after the code, or the bounce message's headers, usually explains.
Common causes
- Spam filtering on the content
- A blocklisted IP or domain
- A policy specific to the recipient's organisation
How to fix it
- Read the full bounce message for detail
- Check your sender reputation and authentication
- Try a plainer version of the message
What to do with the address
Do not remove the address on one such bounce. If it repeats from every sender, treat it as unreachable.
Check an address now with the free email checker, or look at a domain's mail setup with the email domain checker, MX lookup and SPF checker.
Related error codes
Frequently asked questions
- What does 554 5.2.0 mean?
- A catch-all permanent failure: the server refused the message without giving a specific reason in the code. "554 Transaction failed" is a generic message some servers use for anything from spam filtering to a policy block. The text after the code, or the bounce message's headers, usually explains.
- Is 554 5.2.0 a hard bounce or a soft bounce?
- Rejected by policy or reputation. It is usually about the sender, not the recipient.
- What should I do with the address after 554 5.2.0?
- Do not remove the address on one such bounce. If it repeats from every sender, treat it as unreachable.